Arsene Wenger has done great things for Arsenal in his 20 years, but unfortunately in the last ten years many fans have often thrown him under the bus claiming that the Frenchman has been on a decline.
In the recent years, Wenger has had to deal with the wrath of angry fans because of the lack of trophies and frustrating results in the form of almost-wins that have cost Arsenal dearly in the big competitions.
However, stats revealed on Twitter reflect a different picture than what is assumed of the second half of Wenger’s tenure.
Incredible. Arsene Wenger's first 10 v last 10 years. Look at the win % compared between the two eras #wenger20 pic.twitter.com/nTSmtOp550
— AllArsenal.com (@AllArsenalnews) October 1, 2016
Wenger brought 11 trophies to the club in the first 566 games recording 327 wins and 100 defeats. However, in the second half Arsenal have won 320 and lost 119 of the 563 games he has been in charge.
There is no major difference at all at first glance, but the amount of silverware that has arrived at the Emirates is the major concern from the last ten years and is what has caused such a divide.
In Wenger’s defence, external factors such as a change in competition has also led to the decline in the number of trophies.
Since his initiation at the club, the only real rivals the Gunners had were Manchester United, with Chelsea only entering the picture in 2004 with the help of a change in ownership bringing in an influx of financial resources.
Similarly, Manchester City revamped with the help of cash injection in 2008 which led to two Premier League titles for the team.
All this time, Arsenal had to deal with huge debt incurred because of the move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium because the club had to make do with young players and is one phase that some Gooners almost always seem to ignore.
Arsene Wenger has worked his magic as an economist and avoided financial crises at the North London club.
Arsenal.com announced financial results ending May 2016, and it reveals a pre-tax profit of £2.9 million. The club remains free of short-term debt and recorded a stark difference in the turnover from __football rising from £20m to £350.6m.
To understand the immensity of the task Wenger has accomplished, here is another stat courtesy Twitter which explains the debt each club has.
@GeoffArsenal and guess what.. with this. His 2nd ten years are a success given big picture. pic.twitter.com/MprGM57nAf
— Ahmed (@Ahmed91Gooner) September 30, 2016
There may have been fewer trophies, but the impact Wenger has had in his 20 years of service are unparalleled seeing he not only revolutionised __football at the club but also prevented the huge amount of debt other top flight Premier League clubs have struggled with.
If there’s anything Gooners should say to Wenger for all his years at Arsenal is, “Thank you. Arsene. For Everything.”